Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012) was an American actor, director, and producer. He achieved global recognition for his iconic roles as J.R. Ewing in the CBS prime-time soap opera Dallas (1978–1991, and its revival 2012–2013) and as Major Anthony Nelson in the NBC sitcom I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970).
Early Life and Career
Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to actress and singer Mary Martin and district attorney Benjamin Jackson Hagman. His parents divorced when he was five, and he spent much of his childhood moving between his grandmother's home in Texas and his mother's various residences. After high school, he briefly attended Bard College before serving in the United States Air Force in the early 1950s, primarily stationed in London, where he began his acting career in amateur theatre productions.
Upon returning to the U.S., Hagman made his Broadway debut in 1958 in Comes a Day. He appeared in several other Broadway productions and television shows throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, establishing himself as a versatile actor.
Breakthrough Roles
I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970)
Hagman's first major television role came as Major Anthony Nelson, an astronaut who discovers and releases a beautiful genie (played by Barbara Eden) from a bottle. The show became a popular hit, and Hagman's comedic timing and straight-man delivery opposite Eden's magical antics endeared him to audiences. Despite its success, Hagman reportedly had a difficult relationship with the network over creative differences during the show's run.
Dallas (1978–1991; 2012–2013)
In 1978, Hagman took on the role that would define his career: J.R. Ewing, the conniving, manipulative, and charmingly villainous oil baron in the drama series
Dallas. The character became a cultural phenomenon, making Hagman one of the most famous actors in the world. The show's third-season cliffhanger, "Who shot J.R.?", became one of television's most-watched episodes, generating international speculation and cementing J.R. Ewing's place in pop culture history. Hagman was the only actor to appear in every episode of the original series. He reprised his role for the 2012 revival of
Dallas on TNT, continuing to play the character until his death in 2012.
Other Work
Throughout his career, Hagman appeared in numerous films, including
Fail-Safe (1964),
Ensign Pulver (1964),
The Group (1966),
Harry and Tonto (1974),
Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976),
S.O.B. (1981), and
Nixon (1995). He also directed episodes of
I Dream of Jeannie and
Dallas and was active in various made-for-television movies and guest appearances on other shows.
Personal Life
Hagman was married to Maj Axelsson from 1954 until his death. They had two children, Heidi and Preston. Hagman was a strong advocate for organ donation, particularly after undergoing a life-saving liver transplant in 1995 due to cirrhosis, a result of his heavy drinking over many years. He later became a prominent public figure promoting the benefits of healthy living and moderation.
Health and Death
In 2011, Hagman announced he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He continued to work on the new
Dallas series while undergoing treatment. He died on November 23, 2012, at Medical City Dallas Hospital, at the age of 81, due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia, with his family and close friends (including Barbara Eden and Linda Gray) by his side.
Legacy
Larry Hagman is remembered for creating two of television's most memorable characters. His portrayal of J.R. Ewing revolutionized the perception of villains in television, making him one of the most beloved antagonists in television history. He received multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations for his work on
Dallas. Hagman's contribution to television and film continues to be recognized, and his iconic roles remain a significant part of popular culture.